Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,61
water. Cash listens to the details of my day, nodding to show his interest. He listens until the end before asking questions. I love this side of him. Aside from Mr. Mercer, Cash is the only man to value my thoughts and opinions.
“When’s your next drop from Loretta?” His question catches me off guard. In all the hubbub, I forgot about her.
“Next week.” I press a hand to my head at the sudden ache between my temples. “Why?”
“I need to go to Chicago. Some business stuff. Nothing major.”
An icepick of fear stabs my chest. “Is Gage going with you?”
“No. I want him to stay here. I need to know you’re safe.”
“Don’t go.” I grab his hand and squeeze like I can physically restrain him from leaving. As long as we’re locked behind the gates of this compound, I don’t have to worry about him.
“Not an option, baby girl.” With an index finger, he taps the bottom of my chin. “You just concentrate on bringing in the money.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Nah. Can’t have that. I need you here.” A smile plays on his lips. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve been doing this for years. You keep your eyes on business here. Everything will be fine.” His hands find my bottom and squeeze. “I can’t keep my hands off you. After supper, why don’t we go upstairs and take a bath?”
“I like that idea.” I smile back at him, intoxicated by the idea.
“Food’s ready,” Gage yells as he carries a steaming pan of lasagna from the kitchen to the patio dining area. Em follows behind him with garlic bread, tossed salad, and a bottle of wine.
We sit down to eat beneath the bright yellow umbrellas. Em places a bouquet of flowers in the center. Cash pours the wine. Behind us, we hear the swish of water against the shore and birds twittering. My eyes blur with tears of gratitude. These people mean so much to me. Beneath the table, I grab Em’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” she replies. Our eyes meet, and I see my emotions reflected in her expression.
“I think we need a toast,” Gage says, lifting his wine glass. “Cash, say something.”
“To good friends, good food, and great loves.” His gaze flickers to mine. The smile on his sexy mouth heats my blood.
We raise our glasses, drink, and begin the meal. The food is amazing. Em and Gage bicker about who did the most work, but their banter is laced with flirtation. Cash talks about the upcoming football season with Gage, and we all laugh over Lucy as she begs for food at our feet.
Afterward, Gage builds a fire in the fire pit. The four of us stare over the lake, wrapped in blankets to ward away the chilly air. We’re silent for a long time, watching the shimmering reflections on the water and listening to the noises of crickets and bullfrogs.
“Have you heard from Tony?” I ask Em when the men are distracted.
“He’s called me a dozen times, but I haven’t returned any of his calls.” She pulls her blanket closer around her shoulders and shrugs. “There’s no point, really. I sent him a text and told him it was over. That’s more than he deserves.”
“What are you talking about?” Gage’s head whips in our direction.
“Nothing.” Em waves a hand to dispel his question.
“Em broke up with her boyfriend.” I pat my lap, inviting Lucy to sit with me. She snuggles under my blanket, curling up on my legs. Gage and Cash share a look—a wordless conversation between two old friends. I straighten and cock my head at Cash. “What was that about?”
“What was what?” He places a hand on my thigh and squeezes.
“You two. You’re always doing that. Looking at each other like you’re sharing some kind of telepathic message.”
“We’ve been friends a long time.” Gage takes a drink of his beer, avoiding my gaze.
“I’d really rather not talk about it.” Em glares at me.
“Maybe we should talk about it,” Gage says, raising his eyebrows at Em. “If he hurt you, he should pay for that. You want me to pay him a visit?”
“Aw, fuck.” Cash scrubs his free hand over his face. “Here we go.”
“That’s not necessary.” Em sits up in her chair, grabbing the arms with both hands. “Besides, he’s a cop.”
“Well, I’m going to check him out anyway.” Gage shifts forward in his chair until his knee touches hers. “It can’t hurt.”
“Stay out of it, Gage. It’s not your business.” Em throws